A message from our director

To the generous supporters that make our classes possible.
I believe that by building relationships with citizens such as yourselves, we can make a genuine difference in the education, and in turn, the future of our young people. LEEP, a certified 501(c) 3 organization, works with local schools to enhance education through experiential learning.

The purpose of LEEP is to augment primary and secondary education using local resources. Due to the proximity and availability of the rich outdoor classroom and historical locales, local students should have higher than average Science and Social Studies scores. LEEP can do more than just improve their grades; we can improve their understanding of the world around them and give them an experience of a lifetime. Everything we need to bring South Carolina back into the forefront is around us. An investment in the young people of our state is an investment for the future.

Is there a need for environmental education? Recently, a woman from Myrtle Beach joined us on a tour on the Bulls Island Ferry. When referencing the estuary in the Cape Romaine Wildlife Refuge, she asked if “the government was going to do anything with this swamp?” We explained to her that Cape Romaine protected a vital ecosystem that is managed for native wildlife. Her response was to shake her head and reply “What a waste!”

Somehow, she never learned to connect with the environment around her. She did not realize that a majority of the oxygen she breathes comes from the phytoplankton thriving in the water around her. A countless number of visitors to our state come primarily to view and enjoy our regional wildlife and other natural resources. What would it be like if everyone knew about the treasures in our area?
A common question I have answered innumerable times is “Are we really fulfilling a need?” Last summer, I took a group from the Downtown Charleston Developmental Academy to Cape Romaine, and many of the students admitted it was the first time they had crossed the Ravenel Bridge. I noticed that one of the students, who had been rambunctious on the bus, was seated quietly by himself when we began the boat tour. I asked one of his peers if anything was wrong. She said it was the first time he had seen the ocean. The memory of his smile reminds me why we create these types of opportunities. I continue to go to schools where many of the students have not been to the beach minutes from their neighborhoods.

We have designed a series of Naturalist taught classes that take place inside the traditional classroom setting, as well as field classes that take advantage of natural resources (for example, swamps and beaches) and regional assets, such as the South Carolina Aquarium. We hope to have a lasting impact on students by widening their perspectives. The experiences that we have made available for numerous students are possible only through our supportive partnerships, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic educators. I view the relationships with our supporters as the beginning of lifelong friendships. Additionally, the relationships with our students are a long-term investment in our state’s future development.

I am so appreciative of those individuals and businesses that are currently assisting us to fulfill our mission, and I hope that you will support and join us as well . Please read more about our organization and Sponsor a student or class, or take advantage of the many opportunities offered through out the year. On behalf of LEEP, thank you for taking the time to learn about our organization. I encourage you visit our blog and explore our website then contact us to get involved with our organization.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Ian Sanchez
Executive Director